But Anton Du Beke is hiding a difficult past as he enjoys his first venture into the finals with celeb dance partner Katie Derham.

We've been delving into the emotional path that led him to the Strictly glitterball and expose

Anton Du Beke has starred in Strictly Come Dancing since its launch back in 2004 and tonight, he is set to compete in the final for the first time in the series' 11-year history.

Here, we take a look at the emotional path that led him to success, expose the worst-kept secret in showbiz - Anton's real age and explore what's next for the star...

A troubled childhood

(Image: Getty)

As a boy, Anton was reportedly exposed to furious rows and violence from his long-term alcoholic father. While he, his younger brother Stephen and sister Veronica all had great relationships with their mother Ascension, their dad Antal was a "brutal" figure in the family home.

"My dad was an old drunk," alleged Anton to MailOnline. "He was a full-time waiter but stopped because of the drinking and then went into a factory."

The professional dancer immersed himself in the world of dance as a coping strategy to deal with what was going on at home.

But when Anton was 22, his father reportedly walked out and the Strictly star never saw his dad again until he passed away in 2001. His mother has since remarried and now lives in Alicante, Spain.

Change of name

Long before Strictly came along, Anton had a different name. He was reportedly christened Anthony Beke - although his close pals would call him Tony Beke.

As his dancing career started to take off, Anton began asking his nearest and dearest to call him Anton Beke instead of his real name, perhaps in a bid to boost his profile.

However, his close friends and family aren't quite sure where the "Du" originates from... But we like it anyway.

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Sexuality

(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

Strictly fans wondered for years if flamboyant Anton could possibly be gay. When the star refused to confirm or deny the speculation, the rumour mill was sent into overdrive.

However, the fire was put out when it emerged in 2006 that he was dating Caroline Feraday.

Now, he is loved-up with girlfriend Hannah Summers and there is even talk of wedding bells - possibly as soon as next year.

How old?

(Image: PA)

Over the years, Anton has tried to brush off questions surrounding his age.

While he is known as Strictly's oldest professional dancer, he's never confirmed how old he actually is, stressing that it's probably somewhere between 29 - 42.

However, it turns out that Anton is in fact 49 and will be celebrating his 50th birthday in July next year.

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Goodbye Strictly...

(Image: BBC)

Anton is rumoured to be hanging up his Strictly shoes once and for all after this series finishes.

While he hasn't confirmed or denied the stories, judge Len Goodman, 71, has said that he would welcome the dancer taking his place on the judging panel when he retires.

"I think Anton would be perfect to take over from me if the time comes," admitted Len.